Brock and Clarington have joined with LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) and the Region of Durham to offer subsidized tree planting that boosts the region’s efforts to combat climate change.
Residents, multi-unit property owners and commercial property owners from Brock and Clarington can now plant native trees at a low price through the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program.
Since the program launched in July 2020, LEAF has planted more than 460 native trees and 340 native shrubs at more than 360 properties in the participating municipalities of Ajax, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, and Whitby.
The service provided by LEAF includes a consultation with an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist to help select native trees that are adapted to the local conditions; a five-to-eight-foot-tall native deciduous tree or a two-to-four-foot-tall native evergreen tree; tree-planting service or tree-delivery; and resources to help care for the newly planted trees. All the above for $150 to $220 (plus HST) for the full-service program and $100 to $170 for the do-it-yourself program.
To apply to the Backyard Tree Planting Program, visit the LEAF website or call 416-413-9244 for more information.
“The incredible success of the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program over the past two years demonstrates the willingness of our residents and businesses to do their part against climate change. Welcoming Brock and Clarington into the tree planting program will help the environment and our communities today and in the future,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer.
Quick Facts
- Since declaring a climate emergency on January 29, 2020, Durham Region continues to develop community action plans in partnership with local area municipalities and other key stakeholders including LEAF.
- Through the declaration—brought forward through the Durham Region Roundtable on Climate Change—Durham Region joins the Government of Canada and more than 400 Canadian municipalities to have declared climate emergencies. Most of these organizations are implementing programs to help reduce their contribution to global carbon emissions.
- The benefits of planting native trees and shrubs include:
- Providing essential habitat for wildlife
- Reducing stormwater run-off by capturing and storing rainfall
- Reducing greenhouse gases and clean our air all year round
- Reducing energy costs by providing shade, privacy, and shelter
- Restoring outdoor green spaces to live, work and visit
- Increasing property value
- Participation in the Backyard Tree Planting Program includes:
- A 30-minute consultation with a LEAF arborist
- Full planting service OR a do-it-yourself option
- Tree care resources
- Follow-up tree care advice online or by phone
- LEAF plants native species that are well-suited to local climatic conditions and provide essential habitat for wildlife.
- Native shrubs are also available.